Formula Student Rules 2022-23
All Formula Student vehicles are to be completed before all track events.
Absolutely NO fabrication will be allowed at the track events.
FS officials reserve the right to disqualify a team if the officials believe there is a safety hazard present on the team’s vehicle.
All Formula Student vehicles are to be completed before all track events.
Absolutely NO fabrication will be allowed at the track events.
FS officials reserve the right to disqualify a team if the officials believe there is a safety hazard present on the team’s vehicle.
Formula STOCK
Suspension: Solid front/rear axle only. If teams are using a GEN 3 chassis - shocks must be removed and a solid adjustable turnbuckle must be installed.
Engine: Due to engine availability issues, any industrial engine manufacturer allowed. Horsepower - manufacturer advertised - 16 HP MAX. NO power adders or modifications to the engine allowed, except for wiring extensions, throttle and choke connections. Engine must have a throttle return spring attached directly to the throttle shaft arm. Disconnecting the governor is allowed as long as engine RPM isn't excessive.
Transmission: Centrifugal Clutch or CVT - MAX PRICE: $500
Max Overall Tire Diameter: 24”
Wheelbase: 80” – 87” measured from center of front spindle axle to center of rear axle.
Width: 54” - 72" measured to the outside edge of the mounted tire.
Ground Clearance: 2” MIN – 4” MAX
Suspension: Solid front/rear axle only. If teams are using a GEN 3 chassis - shocks must be removed and a solid adjustable turnbuckle must be installed.
Engine: Due to engine availability issues, any industrial engine manufacturer allowed. Horsepower - manufacturer advertised - 16 HP MAX. NO power adders or modifications to the engine allowed, except for wiring extensions, throttle and choke connections. Engine must have a throttle return spring attached directly to the throttle shaft arm. Disconnecting the governor is allowed as long as engine RPM isn't excessive.
Transmission: Centrifugal Clutch or CVT - MAX PRICE: $500
Max Overall Tire Diameter: 24”
Wheelbase: 80” – 87” measured from center of front spindle axle to center of rear axle.
Width: 54” - 72" measured to the outside edge of the mounted tire.
Ground Clearance: 2” MIN – 4” MAX
Formula MODIFIED
Suspension: Solid axle or suspension is allowed
Engine: Any industrial engine manufacturer allowed. Horsepower - manufacturer advertised - 18.6 HP MAX. NO power adders or modifications to the engine allowed, except for wiring extensions, throttle and choke connections. Engine must have a throttle return spring attached directly to the throttle shaft arm. Disconnecting the governor is allowed. Timing may be adjusted +/- 5 degrees from factory stock.
Engine Redline: Open to match safety requirements of engine used
Transmission: Centrifugal Clutch/CVT/Multi-gear: Transmission MUST utilize some type of clutching mechanism to allow the engine to idle.
Max Overall Tire Diameter: 24”
Wheelbase: 80” – 87” measured from center of front spindle axle to center of rear axle.
Width: 54” - 72" measured to the outside edge of the mounted tire.
Ground Clearance: 2” MIN – 4” MAX
Suspension: Solid axle or suspension is allowed
Engine: Any industrial engine manufacturer allowed. Horsepower - manufacturer advertised - 18.6 HP MAX. NO power adders or modifications to the engine allowed, except for wiring extensions, throttle and choke connections. Engine must have a throttle return spring attached directly to the throttle shaft arm. Disconnecting the governor is allowed. Timing may be adjusted +/- 5 degrees from factory stock.
Engine Redline: Open to match safety requirements of engine used
Transmission: Centrifugal Clutch/CVT/Multi-gear: Transmission MUST utilize some type of clutching mechanism to allow the engine to idle.
Max Overall Tire Diameter: 24”
Wheelbase: 80” – 87” measured from center of front spindle axle to center of rear axle.
Width: 54” - 72" measured to the outside edge of the mounted tire.
Ground Clearance: 2” MIN – 4” MAX
Formula PROTOTYPE
This class is designed to allow students more flexibility with the design of their vehicle. Teams are encouraged to research proper chassis design (roll over protection/driver safety is paramount) suspension geometry, weight balance and braking capability. Teams are also encouraged to keep an open dialogue with Formula Student officials with their designs.
Body: Teams must use a full fendered body shell design OR open wheel body shell.
Suspension: Independent front suspension with independent rear or multi-link rear suspension REQUIRED.
Engine: Any engine manufacturer allowed as long as it's based on a four stroke industrial engine. Horsepower - 35 HP MAX. It is highly recommended that teams document engine power with dynometer results in case they are questioned by another team. Teams are also allowed to experiment with hybrid/electric drive systems as long as the total combined horsepower is no more than 35 HP.
Engine Redline: Open to match safety requirements of engine/drivetrain used
Transmission: Centrifugal Clutch/CVT/Multi-gear – transmission MUST utilize some type of clutching mechanism to allow the engine to idle.
Max Overall Tire Diameter:
This class is designed to allow students more flexibility with the design of their vehicle. Teams are encouraged to research proper chassis design (roll over protection/driver safety is paramount) suspension geometry, weight balance and braking capability. Teams are also encouraged to keep an open dialogue with Formula Student officials with their designs.
Body: Teams must use a full fendered body shell design OR open wheel body shell.
Suspension: Independent front suspension with independent rear or multi-link rear suspension REQUIRED.
Engine: Any engine manufacturer allowed as long as it's based on a four stroke industrial engine. Horsepower - 35 HP MAX. It is highly recommended that teams document engine power with dynometer results in case they are questioned by another team. Teams are also allowed to experiment with hybrid/electric drive systems as long as the total combined horsepower is no more than 35 HP.
Engine Redline: Open to match safety requirements of engine/drivetrain used
Transmission: Centrifugal Clutch/CVT/Multi-gear – transmission MUST utilize some type of clutching mechanism to allow the engine to idle.
Max Overall Tire Diameter:
- 21" OD for prototype body shell
- 24" OD for open wheel designs
- 80” – 81” for prototype body shell
- 80" to 90" for open wheel designs
- 68” to 72” measured to the outside edge of the mounted tire.
General & Safety
Vehicles not within these measurements will not be allowed to compete, even as an exhibition. Vehicle widths and wheelbases are set to ensure a safe and stable vehicle for track day events. Specifications must be followed. There will be no exceptions.
Chassis: All teams must use the supplied chassis model as the base for their vehicle. Chassis MUST be constructed to the chassis model within 1” of specifications. All frame members shown on the model must be present in the completed chassis. Teams may use Generation 1, 2 or 3 of the chassis, but do not mix designs between the chassis (i.e. use a Gen 1 roll bar on a Gen 3 chassis.)
Prototype designs MUST submit chassis plans to Formula Student officials for approval before manufacturing.
If a team is going to push their car away from the start on pit road, all pit crew must push the car from BEHIND the rear tire. Plan accordingly for support. All pushbars/supports must be solidly mounted to the chassis.
Drivetrain Safety: All drivetrains must maintain a high level of safety. Proper guarding, insulating and mounting is highly stressed. Formula Student officials reserve the right to disqualify a vehicle if they feel it is unsafe.
Gear Ratio: Teams are encouraged to calculate their gear ratio to give their vehicle a top speed, at engine redline, in the range of 45-50 MPH. This gives the vehicles the proper gear ratio for the autocross style timing course. Teams are allowed to change gearing at the track. It is recommended that a team work with a slower gear ratio and work their way up as they test their vehicle under track conditions.
Roll Bar Tubing: 1 ½” round mild steel tubing, 0.083” (14ga) or thicker for the main roll bar tubes. Roll bar tubing must be a single continuous piece. NO SPLICING ALLOWED. Driver’s helmet should not be excessively forward of the roll bar protection when seated in the vehicle. Bend radius minimum is 3"
TEAMS - please make sure your driver's helmets is located withing the roll bar "cage" area and not excessively forward of the front bars.
Bracing: 1” round or square mild steel tubing, 0.083” (14ga) wall thickness or thicker.
Floor: 0.0747” (14ga) mild steel sheet, stitch welded to the bottom frame rails or 5052 aluminum - riveted to the bottom with a 2" spacing, using stainless steel rivets. The minimum weld stitch pitch should be no more than 1-3.
Prototype floor may be allowed to use alternative flooring techniques, provided the floor retains appropriate margins of safety.
Body Shell: Teams must use an approved FS fiberglass body shell. If a team chooses to use an alternate body shell, that team must submit approval directly to FS officials. The only approved body shell materials are: fiberglass, Kevlar, carbon fiber or 0.032” aluminum sheet. Aluminum must either be polished or painted.
Appearance: All FS vehicles must be painted, gel coated, or powder coated with school and sponsor decals appropriately placed. Bare metal frames will not be allowed.
Decals must be placed in a position where they are easily seen from both sides of the car. FS officials reserve the right ask teams to display sponsor decals.
Firewall: .032” or thicker aluminum or mild steel sheet must be used for a firewall between the driver and the engine compartment. The firewall must extend all the way to the body shell. Teams must try to make all reasonable efforts to fully seal the driver’s compartment from the engine compartment. Teams should try to keep all gaps to less than ½”.
Safety Harness: All teams must use a 5-point safety harness, installed to safety harness manufacturer’s specifications. Harnesses must be in good working order with no frays or cuts. If harness is passing through the firewall, clearance the firewall to eliminate possible harness damage.
Kill Switch: Two paddle type kill switches are required. One switch shall be located in easy reach of the driver’s right hand and labeled appropriately. The second switch shall be located on the left side of the rear roll bar but above the body shell. This location is shown on the chassis model. The switch will be marked with contrasting color to the body so it is easily seen by FS officials. Both switches must be demonstrated to effectively shut off the engine. Prototypes should also have a secondary kill switch mounted on the left side of the roll bar, clear of the bodywork.
Fuel system:
Fuel: Unleaded gasoline - Octane 93 MAX. Prototype vehicles running alternative fuels MUST receive approval from Formula Student officials.
Fuel Pump: Teams may relocate the stock Briggs and Stratton vacuum fuel pump to allow proper fuel supply to the pump. Electric fuel pumps may be used, provided power is cut to the pump when the battery switch is turned to the OFF position or an alternative safety measure is used.
Fuel Cell: must use commercially available, 1 gallon fuel cell with roll-over vent protection and installed to manufacturers specifications. Lawn mower/garden tractor tanks are not allowed due to not having proper roll-over vent protection.
Fuel Shut Off Valve: A fuel shut-off valve must be installed in the fuel supply line within 6” of the tank outlet.
Exhaust: Exhaust outlet(s) must extend past the body shell by a minimum of 1” or the outlet must be e a minimum of 36" away from the centerline of the driver's helmet. Exhaust outlet should be direct away from the driver.
Tachometer: The Equus Tachometer (model 8068) has been proven to be very accurate and easy to install on a B&S Vanguard engine. This is not required, but it does help with tuning of the engine.
Tires:
DOT or Racing slicks allowed.
In Event of Rain: Slicks will NOT be allowed to run if the track is too wet.
Tire Widths: Minimum width: 6.5" Maximum width: 12" - all measurements measured from looking at the mounted tire from the top.
Rims:
Stock/Modified: 13 x 6 with 2.5” back spacing suggested. Due to the shrinking tire availability for 13" rims, teams may use other size rims to fit their tires, as long as the rims are steel and fit the appropriate approved size of tire for the class the vehicle is running.
Prototype: Steel or Aluminum rims allowed, properly sized for tires used.
Spindles:
Front Spindles:
Stock/Mod: must use standard or dropped VW Beetle spindles, rotors and disk brake calipers or use the GEN 3 style spindle.
Prototypes: may use alternative spindles, provided they follow proper engineering strength and manufacturing techniques.
Brakes:
Stock: All teams must utilize a standard VW Beetle brake caliper, actuating a single brake rotor keyed or splined to the rear axle. At least one rear tire must transmit braking power to the ground. Two separate hydraulic circuits for the front brakes and rear brakes. NOTE: We have noticed some axle spline failures on a few cars using only one rear brake while using a differential. Teams may want to use two calipers on the rear to reduce the torque loads when braking while using a differential.
Prototypes: All four wheels must transmit braking to the ground. Two separate hydraulic circuits must be installed. This can be accomplished by a two separate master cylinders or a tandem master cylinder. Teams are not limited to the VW rotors/calipers.
Suspension:
- All teams must have a minimum of 1 successful year of Formula Stock experience before they may compete in Formula Mod or Prototype
- Teams designing/building and IFS/IRS system must incorporate properly designed and constructed spindles, brakes and uprights.
- Teams must supply engineering drawings and or pictures of their design to FS officials for approval before manufacturing their suspension.
All teams using 1 1/4" pinch axle hubs MUST install shaft collars on the outside of the axle to ensure the axle hub/wheel assembly can not come off the axle.
Steering:
Rack and Pinion ONLY, no go-kart steering allowed.
Steering Wheel: Steering wheel must be either a continuous round or “D” shaped wheel. No butterfly style steering wheels allowed.
Minimum Tie Rod Diameter: ¾” steel tubing or 3/8" tap tubing (Coleman #16203) or equivalent
Driver Safety: All drivers must use the following safety equipment:
- DOT or Snell rated full-face helmet, in good working order.
- Dirt Bike Helmets will no longer be accepted.
- 360 Plus Neck Collar (Pegasus Racing # 9308) or EVS R4 Collar
- NO HORSE COLLAR STYLE NECK BRACES ALLOWED!!!
- Closed toe shoes
- Long pants
- Long sleeve shirt/jacket
- Gloves
Safety Glasses: All team members must be wearing safety glasses when actively participating in repair or adjustments to the team vehicle.
Overall Rule of Conduct: Students must present themselves in a professional manner. Teams will be disqualified and removed from the track in any team member does not follow directions from the officials.
SUGGESTIONS:
Rear axle bearings should be placed as close to the inner side of the wheel hub as possible to limit axle bending/twisting. Some teams have run up to a total of four bearings across the rear axle.
Chrome Moly Steel axles suggested. Low quality axles have bent under load.
Gear ratios: A good rule of thumb is to start with an overall gear ratio of 8:1 and then gear for the existing track conditions and individual vehicle response.
Chain tensioning devices: Use a sliding engine base set-up to adjust chain tension. There was a much higher incidence of thrown chains when using idler sprocket assemblies.
Install shaft collars on both sides of the rear hub assemblies. This is extra insurance to keep the hubs in place on the axle.
Fasteners: Teams should try to use at least grade 5 or higher fasteners, with nylock nuts, when possible.
Standard Formula Student wheel bolt pattern: 4 on 4”B.C., 2.5” back spacing.
Exhaust: Teams have run both open pipes and mufflers. The engines seem to work the best with some type of muffler. Individual team chassis dyno testing is suggested.
RPM: Engines should be limited to 4500 RPM. Teams run a risk a valve float above that RPM.
NORAM Enforcer clutches have shown a much higher durability than the NORAM Mini-Cup clutch.
When using a NORAM Enforcer clutch, install a spacer behind the clutch to eliminate the chance of the clutch sliding towards the engine.
Use RED Loc-tite on the crankshaft bolt and torque to 95 ft/#. This reduces the chance the bolt will come out, dropping the clutch on the track.